10 Bangkok Restaurants In Refurbished Buildings That Will Spam Your IG Stories
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The Never Ending Summer
Image credit: @ek_choi_alice Owned by acclaimed Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag, The Never Ending Summer is an elegant restaurant frequented by fashionable folks. The bones of the space remain the same, and juxtaposed against the once depilated riverside warehouse’s original brick walls are industrial-themed fixtures. Image credit: @lifestock_yuuki The food are presented to showcase sophistication. Reinterpreting Thai dishes by giving them a modern twist is head chef Nakul Yeast Kavinrat, who champions seasonal Thai and regional elements. A dish that looks too pretty to devour is their Grilled Kurobuta Pork Collar (THB380/~S$15.80) . Address: 41/5 Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600 Opening hours: Daily 11am to 11pm Tel: +66 2 861 0953 Website Menu
Vivarium
Image credit: @thecharleneyap Converting a tractor warehouse into a terrarium-like restaurant that’s highlighted by plants and ferns hanging down the ceiling, Vivarium is one of Bangkok’s most eye-catching restaurants. Effort is given to repurpose the abandoned site as much as possible, with reclaimed iron doors and steel pipes being transformed into shelves. Image credit: Vivarium’s’ Facebook page Thai’s Iron Chef stars, Chumpol Jangprai and Boontham Parkpho, helm the kitchen. Together, they whip up traditional Thai cuisine that’s highlighted by luxurious Japanese elements. Some dishes to try here include Pad Krapow (THB550/~S$22.80) made with surf clam and Kobe Beef Green Curry (THB1,500/~S$62.30) . Address: 3675 Rama 4 Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Opening hours: Daily 5pm to 11pm Tel: +66 2 261 9508 Website
Farm to Table Hideout
Housed in a grand manor that’s over 200 years-old, Farm to Table Hideout is a sight to behold. Like its name suggests, the restaurant is rather hidden away, and you can find it within Bangkok’s fresh flower marketplace, Pak Klong Talad. Gathering organic produce from Chiang Rai, the European-Asian fusion dishes here are both healthy and delicious. Their one-dish meals are all priced at THB112/~S$4.60 and include items like rice served with fried tofu and cashew nuts – a scrummy, vegan rendition of Thai basil meat rice. Do bring along some Thai baht, as they only accept cash here. Address: 15 Soi Tha Klang, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Opening hours: Thur-Mon 10am to 9pm Tel: +66 2 004 8771 Website
RongSi
Is located in one of the many old pier warehouses at Lhong 1919, a massive lifestyle hub that spans over 6,800 sq ft with a 100 year-old Chinese shrine dedicated to Mazu, a sea goddess. Around Lhong 1919 you will find ancient Chinese murals and artwork preserved from the yesteryears, so you can admire detailed paintings and carvings from the past on window frames and doors on your way here. RongSi as well pays respect to the interior of the old warehouse by retaining some of the old roof tiles. Image credit: @rongsibangkok Thai-style seafood is the best thing to have when you’re here. The crustacean dishes are all masterfully prepared and brimming with freshness. A good dish to order is the umami Chilli Dip with Crab Roe (THB380/~S$15.80) . For Christmas this year, they’ve come up with two seasonal drinks, namely the pomegranate-based Rudolph Fresh Drink (THB149/~S$6.20) and North Po
Dok Kaew House Bar
Image credit: Dok Kaew House Bar’s Facebook page This 80 year-old two-storey residential house has been passed down through four generations, before finally being divested to be restored as Dok Kaew House Bar , a laid-back hangout for beer geeks. Meant to feel like you’re drinking at a friend’s house, the bar is fitted with sofas, coffee tables and handmade decorations. However, I’d rather snag a coveted seat on their rooftop for panoramic views of the surrounding neighbourhood. There are 10 craft beers rotating on tap each day, with labels like And Union Friday IPA (THB200/~S$8.30) and Sandport Wheat Boom (THB180/~S$7.50) . To go with your booze is a selection of delicious bar grub such as Barbecue Beef Skewers , which will set you back THB170/~S$7 . They only accept cash, so make sure you have enough on hand before popping by! Address: 71 Soi Sassana (Rama 6, Soi 28), Phaya Thai, Bangkok 1
Namsaah Bottling Trust
You won’t miss Namsaah Bottling Trust even if you wanted to, thanks to its vibrant pink exterior. Built in the 1910s, this colonial house has withstood the test of time; it was once the home of an aide-de-camp of the royal court, before becoming a bank’s headquarters and an office for a soda business, and it has now transformed into cultured restaurant-bar Namsaah Bottling Trust. Image credit: Namsaah Bottling Trust’s Facebook page Here, Bangkok’s talented chef Ian Kittichai pushes out Asian favourites with a luxurious twist. Slurp up the al dente Namsaah Pad Thai Noodles (THB430/~S$17.82) boasting pieces of creamy foie gras with shrimp. Great to go with your tipple is their Salmon Tartare Wonton (THB260/~S$10.80) tacos with a chilli lime dressing. Address: 401 Silom, Soi 7, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand Opening hours: Daily 5pm to 2am Tel: +66 2 636 6622 Website
Smalls
Image credit: Smalls’ Facebook page One of the hottest jazz bars in Bangkok, Smalls occupies all three floors of a rather ramshackle old corner townhouse. Charm bounces off its walls, as owner and renowned Bangkok nightlife figure David Jacobson messily adorns the walls with his prized collection of art – a stark contrast to the Rococo floor tiling. Image credit: Smalls’ Facebook page While they are mainly a spiffy drinking den, they do throw a popular pho party, Phuong’s Pho Night , every last Thursday of the month that’s not to be missed. Made by a Vietnamese cook named Phuong, the delectable Pho (THB200/~S$8.30) , which comes with either chicken or beef, is brewed for over 14 hours and rumoured to be one of the best in Bangkok. Address: 178/1 Suan Phlu 1 Alley, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand Opening hours: Wed-Mon 7:30pm to 2am Tel: +66 95 585 1398 Website
il Fumo
Image credit: il Fumo’s Facebook page Built in the early 20th century for the descendants of King Rama IV, the fourth monarch of Siam who ruled from 1851 to 1868, the swish two-storey villa il Fumo is housed in was once inhabited by royal blood. Today, the space dishes out exquisite Italian dishes showcasing Portuguese influence that is – pun intended – fit for royalty. Savour exciting creations like this King Crab Stuffed Conchigile With Jamon Iberico Consomme (THB790/~S$32.70) that’s only available this festive season. Address: 1098 Rama IV Road, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand Opening hours: Mon-Sat 6pm to 1am, Sun 6pm to 12am Tel: +66 2 286 8833 Website Menu
The House on Sathorn
Image credit: @thehouseonsathorn History reigns at The House on Sathorn . Constructed 128 years ago, this national heritage mansion was first owned by a wealthy Chinese family, before becoming the Asian headquarters for the Soviet Union and Russian Federation during the Cold War, Korean War, and Indochina Wars. One of Bangkok’s proudest restoration project, the house was repainted to its original pastel yellow shade. You will also find pigs carved into the wooden furnishings, which is meant to symbolise the aristocrat’s zodiac sign. There are three different dining venues found within the premises: The Dining Room, The Courtyard and The Bar. Our favourite spot is definitely al freso garden restaurant, The Courtyard , that’s nestled right in the middle of the house. There you can enjoy afternoon tea as well as Thai dishes. Splurge on their Heritage Afternoon Tea Set (THB1,350/~S$56) featu
Blue Elephant Cooking School and Restaurant
Image credit: Blue Elephant Cooking School and Restaurant’s Facebook page Yes, this is the same Blue Elephant Cooking School and Restaurant behind the delicious Thai curry and tom yam pastes offloaded at supermarkets. The owners fell in love with the colonial architecture of the old Thai Chine Building and decided to base their Thailand outlet there. Steeped in history, the century-old villa was previously the Thai Chamber of Commerce for 70-odd years, as well as the Japanese Central Command Centre during the World War II. A great agreement that lets you have a taste of their bestselling dishes is their Weekend Set Lunch (THB1280/~S$53) . The menu comes with zakouski, a starter, soup, main course, side dish and an assortment of house-made desserts. Dishes in the set include their Pat Pong Crab Curry , River Prawn Bisque Tom Yam and Foie Gras Duo Sauces . Address: 233 South Sathorn Road, Kwaeng Yan
